Eric Edelstein is the new executive vice president/chief operating officer of the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League); replacing him as GM of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) for the rest of the season is Justin Cole.
Coke is currently assistant GM and director of sales for the Naturals.
Edelstein has served as general manager of the Naturals since their inaugural season in 2008. He will work through the end of May and direct the transition.
“We would like to congratulate Eric and wish him success as he takes this exciting new position with Reno. Over the years, Eric has done a tremendous job directing the creation of the Naturals, the building of Arvest Ballpark and bringing great baseball and family fun to the Northwest Arkansas area,” said Jonathan Dandes, President of Rich Baseball Operations. “We thank him for his dedication, his service and the passion he has brought to Naturals baseball.”
Under Edelstein’s leadership, the Naturals have been won numerous awards including 2010 STMA Professional Field of the Year, 2010 Arkansas Tourism’s Henry Award, 2012 Texas League Organization of the Year and Baseball America’s 2012 Bob Freitas Award recognizing excellence in operation for Double-A Baseball. The Naturals won the Texas League Championship in 2010.
“We are very fortunate to have Justin Cole on the Naturals team to step up to the plate and keep Naturals baseball the highest quality sports and family entertainment in town,” said Dandes. “Through his dedication and commitment for 10 years with the organization, we are confident Justin will do a great job in his new role.
Cole, 31, has been a member of the Naturals family since their first season in 2008. He joined Rich Baseball Operations in 2004 and oversaw the final year of the Double-A Wichita Wranglers prior to the franchise’s move to Springdale in 2008. That year, he was named Director of Sales for the Naturals, responsibilities he has held to this day. In 2007, Cole was named assistant general manager.
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